The Leader of the Pack | Leslie Rouda Smith - 001

On our first episode of Women Who Lead, Teresa is joined by a true leader. Leslie Rouda Smith is the 2022 president of the National Association of Realtors, and she is the second member of her family to claim this title. As the leader of a force of 1.5 million real estate professionals across the country, Leslie knows what it takes to be a leader, and in today’s episode, she shares some of that wisdom with us.

Leslie was essentially born into real estate. 

• Leslie’s mother was pregnant when her father started his real estate company. As the former president of NAR, her dad exemplified the leadership qualities she knew she wanted. 
• Leslie worked for her father’s company throughout high school,  filling in wherever needed. 
• As of 2022, single women represented 19% of the first-time homebuyer population versus 11% of single men. That’s crazy, considering women could not purchase a home without a male signature until 1974.

Leslie plans to differentiate herself as the NAR president. 

• Of course, she wants to be inclusive and hear from her members. As the leader of the largest trade organization in the world and the largest unaffiliated PAC advocating on Captial Hill, everyone’s voice is important.
• There is always something happening behind the scenes. She’s currently dealing with a lawsuit from the Department of Justice, and the National Association of Realtors is doing everything they can. Things that happen in our favor don't just happen; theres’ a whole team working to promote our interests.

What are some moments that were scary that she’s glad she did?

• Her journey is not what she had planned. (But who’s is?)
• Her father, being the ‘91 president, meant Leslie went to every NAR convention growing up. However, she wasn’t allowed to serve on a NAR committee at all. 
• So it wasn’t until 13 years later she got the opportunity to be on a committee from a president of NAR from California.
• Later, she served as a liaison for the first African American president of NAR in 2009. She had no idea what that meant when she first accepted the job.
• In 2009 he offered her a new opportunity, which later led to her joining as a vice president.
• She learned you could learn to say no if there is too much on your plate.

Who is a mentor you looked up to in your career?

• Ebby Holiday was a mentor. She was the National President of the Women’s council but wasn’t allowed to be president of NAR because she was a woman.
• She was a wonderful lady who lifted women up and paved the way for women in the industry.

What other challenges do you face, particularly finding a work/life balance?

• Working first in the women’s council helped Leslie because she received support from women of all ages who helped her overcome her fear of public speaking.
• It’s all in your head. You have to have the confidence to overcome challenges.
• One of her three pillars is strength. Not just in numbers, but also mind and body.
• She wants to be healthy as she leads hoping her constituents do the same.

In the 115 year history of the National Association of Realtors, this is the first time the leadership team is majority female. Your circle should want to see you win and clap the loudest when you have good news. If they don’t, find a new circle of friends. Follow Leslie on LinkedIn, and take some time to go to the National Association of Realtor's website to view your membership benefits.

Remember, always bring women up the ladder with you as you climb to the top. For more great content from Teresa, connect with her on LinkedIn, join her Women Who Lead Series on Facebook and subscribe to her YouTube channel.

This episode is brought to you in part by Venus et Fleur.

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